Revisiting resolutions in July

Sunday

Jul 7, 2013 at 7:00 AM

Since one of the hardest things to do with a New Year’s resolution is to keep it going for a year and into the next year I find it is important to review how you are doing on your resolution sometime in July.

Tyson Hill Staff Writer

It has been six months since January came and people started purchasing gym memberships and cutting back on carbs or calories or embarked on some other resolution journey.

As my weekly column readers will know, I am a firm believer in New Year’s resolutions. Some people will say that you can make resolutions all year long, so the ‘New Year’s resolution’ is just an excuse to exercise for a month until you’re burnt out – but, I see it differently. The new year offers a fresh start and the opportunity to grow as a person.

Since one of the hardest things to do with a New Year’s resolution is to keep it going for a year and into the next year I find it is important to review how you are doing on your resolution sometime in July.

The idea behind a New Year’s resolution is to create a lifestyle. By maintaining your resolution consistently throughout the year, making a substantial lifestyle change becomes easier.

My resolution last year was to lose some weight and to get into better running shape. I did this by exercising regularly and enrolling in some 5ks throughout the summer.

I haven’t participated in any 5ks this summer because I have been busy with work and my new resolution, but I have been able to maintain a semi-strict running schedule. I am not in great cardio-shape, but am comfortable with where I am at this time.

This year’s resolution was to donate more of my time to helping others – AKA volunteer more. Taking a look back I would say I am doing pretty well on my resolution.

I have joined a few committees, am helping coach youth soccer and have been volunteering at the Humane Society weekly.

My schedule is set so I am spending about four nights a week volunteering. Initially the process of finding time to volunteer was difficult, because as a reporter a lot of the events I cover take place at night – however, I was able to find a few nights where I am consistently free from work. I have also found that if a conflict does arise and I can’t make my normally scheduled volunteer shift, the volunteer coordinators have been more than understanding and accommodating of my busy schedule.

I am happy with my progress so far on my resolutions and looking forward to continuing to work with the community into the new year.

If you have been falling behind in your own resolutions or are looking to improve upon the progress you have already made this year, take some time this July to map out a plan and continue moving forward with your resolution.

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